Nail Polish Bottles - Up close (2012)

Here are the up close and personal photos of my nail polish collection, as promised.

Obviously, this will be a photo HEAVY post.

And don't forget, if you want to see more detail, you can click on each photo to see it full size.

enjoy!

Nail Polish Collection - Update 2012

I've had many requests for an updated nail art collection video.
So, here you go.

I don't know that my collection has actually gotten that much bigger from my old collection video.  I'm much more picky about which polishes I buy now.  Previously when I was trying to increase and diversify my collection, I was buying lots of  polishes.  But now I feel like I've gotten it to a good size and quality.  I've got a diverse enough of a collection that I don't feel restricted when doing nail art tutorials.  Now that I've got the diversity, when I buy new polishes, I usually only buy polishes that are either a really wicked bargain, or is a colour that I really want to personally wear.

In this post, I'm only showing my nail polish bottles, excluding base coats, top coats, and other nail prep/treatments.  I will have a separate video for my accessories, which I will hopefully remember to include all konad stamping, glitter, fimo, tools, base coats, top coats, polish removers and basically anything else nail art related.  Hopefully that video will get done in the next week or so.  If it doesn't, it's because it's gotten bumped down the priority list in order to get some Halloween tutorials done this year.

Hope you enjoy this video.  :)

A separate post with close ups of the nail polish bottles will follow.

Nail Design - Inspired by Katy Perry's Dress from the MTV Video Music Awards

Hello Gorgeous!

That's what I think of all of you beautiful viewers AND this hot-Damn dress that Katy Perry wore at this year's MTV Video Music Awards.

Hope you enjoy this tutorial.
Although I didn't show a design on my thumb for this tutorial, I ended up doing one up because I loved this design too much to take it off right away. So instead I whipped up a quick design for my thumb to make the manicure complete.

This design is not too difficult.  It certainly does take time, but only requires a moderate level of skill.  Because the design is a bit abstract, it is easy to hide any mistakes with the glitter or shimmer polish.
Hope you give this design a try!

The video tutorial is after the break.

Printed Leaves - Bundle Monster Stamping Tutorial [BM21

La-La-La-LOVE THIS ONE

Spotlight on Purple - Nail Art Tutorial

This tutorial is a spin on the outline nail art trend that's been pretty hot this summer.  It's much easier to do, but gives a similar effect.  Hope you enjoy and give it a try!

Warm Flowing Stripes - BM207

Fun Bundle Monstering!

Pink and Blue Stripes - Back to School Nail Art Tutorial

I had a request to do a back to school nail art tutorial.
I didn't have anything planned, but I thought this design was really cute, AND it reminded me of loose leaf lined paper - just like the kind you buy for back to school.

Fun Retro Print - Stamping Nail Art Tutorial [M65]

Here's a fun stamping tutorial.
It uses a faux konad (aka. fauxnad) image plate.

Graphic black & Yellow Print - Free Hand Nail Art Tutorial

This one reminds me of Lichtenstein.  Well that, or the well known cartoon 'POW design by Wah Nails. (as seen on the ring finger here:
http://wah-nails.com/post/28131554177/pow-tuxedo )

If you've never heard of Wah Nails, you need to check them out.  They're a well known nail art salon in London, UK.
www.http://wah-nails.com
although it resembles one of their designs, this design was actually intended to be a simple crooked french manicure.  And yet it turned into so much more  :)

Enjoy!
Tutorial Follows

Another Bundle Monster tutorial.
I think it looks very summer leafy.  It was commented that it could suit fall - which a change of colours - with which I totally agree.

Enjoy!
{Tutorial and materials list after the jump}

Spot on Yellow - Free Hand Nail Art Tutorial

I love dots!  :D

Continue after the break to see the tutorial.

Reflective Snake Skin - Bundle Monster Stamping Tutorial - BM215

LOVE LOVE THIS DESIGN!!

If you've got the second bundle monster image plates, I hope you try this one!!

Black Moon Triangle - Nail Art Tutorial

Hi everyone,

This one is EXTREMELY simple.  It does take patience though.  Make sure your base colour is ABSOLUTELY COMPLETELY 100% DRY before applying the tape.  If you don't wait long enough that polish will peel up when you remove the tape and completely ruin the manicure.

Quick tip:  try applying your base colour in thinner coats.  Thin coats of nail polish dry quicker than thick coats.

Good Luck!
video tutorial after the break :)

Steampunk Gears - Bundle Monster Stamping Tutorial - [BM03, BM12]

Here's the first long awaited stamping tutorial!

It's pretty simple.
Hope you give it a try!
{tutorial and more info after the break}

White Spotted French - Free Hand Nail Art Tutorial

I'm BaaaAAAaaack!
...finally..  right?

Here's an easy one to dip back into this whole nail art thing with.

Neon Aztec Nails #1, #2, #3

I had a request looong ago to do an aztec inspired type of nail art design.   This is that long awaited tutorial.  HOWEVER, instead of only doing one nail, I've done three!!  (okay, well I actually did 4, but only created 3 tutorials.)

Video tutorials for each of the three designs and full list of materials is after the jump.

Whoopsie. I've missed you! ..... PLUS A New Free Hand Tutorial: Pink Bokeh

Whoa!  I've been slacking!  Sorry everyone.

But I must say that as apologetic I may be about not updating my blog, I have an announcement to make:
I have finally succumbed to the pressure of social media sites:  I am now on twitter, AND I have a facebook fan page.

www.twitter.com/miss80million
www.facebook.com/miss80million

{pretty easy to remember isn't it}
I'm still trying to figure out the whole facebook fan page thing but hopefully it'll be up and actively running soon.  it's all about baby steps.

However,
Let's get to the main point of this post.  I've just uploaded a new tutorial.

I think this one's totally gorge!
Hope you like it enough to give it a try.It was inspired by a desktop background of mine.


In photography "Bokeh" is the blur, or the aesthetic quality of the blur.  There was an image that this design was inspired by, but for the life of me I can't find it on my computer anywhere now that I need it.


Materials used
OPI - Natural Nail Base coat
OPI - The Thrill of Brazil
Essie - Blanc
Rimmel Lasting finish Pro - Pink Bliss
American Apparel - Angeline (available in American Apparel stores or at Americanapparel.net
Sally Hansen - Insta Dry Anti Chip Top Coat

Dotting tool - lots of sellers have them on ebay.
If you don't want to buy a dotting too, look for something around the house that's similar is shape.  (Some ideas: an opened bobby pin, dressmaker's pins, sharp pencil.)

AH HA!  FOUND THE INSPIRATION PIC!

Rainbow Digital - Konad Stamping Tutorial [M61]

Here's a fun one for ya!
It reminds me of a circuit board. Don't you think so?

It's been a while since I've done a stamping tutorial.

If you're new to stamping, check out the plethora of links I've provided after the jump.  I have lots of reviews on Konad brand stamps, a major competitor - Bundle Monster, as well as some basic tips and trick on how to use 'special' konad polishes as well as regular polishes to get a great result with your stamping image plates.  

Check out the video tutorial after the jump.

Pink Champagne Water Marbled Valentine's Day Nail Art Tutorial

I was kind of iffy about posting this tutorial.  I don't love it but it's okay.  lol....  I almost considered posting it as a Nail Fail, but I didn't think it failed that horribly.  So instead you get the photo of the final design as well as the tutorial.
I know water marbling can be tricky.  Just test out your polishes and keep trying.  It's definitely learned through trial and error.  good Luck!  and Happy Valentine's Day!

Keep reading after the jump for the full list of materials, and the video tutorial

Easy Valentine's Day Nail Art Tutorial - Spotted Heart

Hi Everyone!
It's almost Valentine's Day!
Here's a really simple yet cute design for you all.  Great for the beginner as well as a more practiced nail artist.
Have fun with your nail art!  You don't have to do exactly what I do in my videos.  Feel free to choose your own colours or switch up the design to suit your style.
Hope you all have a great Valentine's Day!
See you in my next video :D

~Miss80Million

Materials Used:
Orly - Bonder base coat
China Glaze - White On White
American Apparel - Angeline
American Painter - Spotter Brush - size 10/0 (available at Michaels or your local art store in the acrylic paint brush section.)
Sally Hansen - Insta Dry Anti Chip Top Coat

Metallic Splatter - Free Hand Nail Art Tutorial

It's been so long  since I've posted a tutorial.  This is one that I designed a couple months ago.  I like the sharpness of the design.  I'm unsure about the red stripe, as many of my youtube viewers have also voiced dislike for, but still, I like the design in general.  
What do you think?





Materials Used:
Seche Clear - Base Coat
Color Club - Magic Attraction
Sally Hansen - Xtreme Wear - Blue It
China Glaze - Millennium
American Painter Spotter Brush - size 5/0 (you can get this from your local art store in the acrylic pain brush section.)
China Glaze - Ruby Pumps
Sally Hansen - Insta Dry Anti Chip Top Coat

Oh YEAH! I finally decided to get a twitter account for my nail art!
You can follow me at: https://twitter.com/miss80million

Argyle-ish Free Hand Nail Art Tutorial

Here's a simplistic free hand nail art design for you today!
The design can totally vary depending on where you decide you want your diamonds to go, so just use your own creativity and imagination and have fun re-creating this design. 
Video tutorial is after the jump.
Enjoy!

Teal Foil Abstract Nail Art Tutorial

Here's a gorgeous abstract tutorial for you using nail foils.  
The application technique I use in this tutorial is exactly the same as how I applied the Imperial Purple foil in my Imperial Glitter and Glam posts.  So if you wanted to know how I created the graffiti look in that nail, just watch the video below.

Holiday Nail Fails

Well, the new year has begun.

And there's nothing like a few nail fails to bring out a chuckle or two.

For those of you unfamiliar with this series:

     Nail Fails are posts that I publish with no particular regularity.  I only post updates to this series when I attempt to create a nail design which didn't remotely resemble my intended aesthetic, or for some other reason simply falls short of my expectations.  It certainly doesn't mean that it's necessarily an 'ugly' design.  But for some reason or other, I decided to ditch the tutorial and not post it to my Youtube channel.

     So instead, as my blog followers, you get to see the reality of my nail art trials and tribulations and the reality of my craft: not every design is a winner.  

I really wanted to create more Holiday or Winter themed nail designs.  I had quite a few ideas in mind.  However, many of them just didn't turn out as nice as I had hoped.  

So, without further ado...

I tried to do a general nail design with a Christmas 

undertone.       ...meh...

The polka dot one is my fave of the three designs here.

Colours Used: China Glaze - Ruby Pumps, China Glaze -

White On White, Color Club - Sex Symbol, Color Club - 

Holiday Splendor

Well, this one definitely didn't turn out.  The glitter polish

behind the santa hat ended up being way more distracting

than festive.

Colours Used: China Glaze - Ruby Pumps, China Glaze - 

White On White, Color Club - Wish Upon A Rockstar

I think it's obvious what this one was supposed to be.  I 

ended up doing a similar french tip with a white tree instead

with smaller snowflakes and a white background.  That 

turned out much better than this one.

Colours Used: China Glaze - Bahamian Escape, China Glaze

- White On White, American Apparel - Hassid, Color Club -

Wham Pow!, Colur Club - Positively Posh

NOTD: Imperial Glitter and Glam Redux

Okay.  My last NOTD was so awesome I couldn't help but think about making it even more awesome.





So I took my original Imperial Glitter and Glam manicure and applied a duochrome glitter polish on top of it.  I used Kiko's sparkle polish in 270.

+=

Imperial Glitter and Glam Redux Manicure

It's a subtle change but I think it looks great!

NOTD: Imperial Glitter and Glam

Imperial Glitter and Glam
(for a closer look, you can click on the image.)                
and yes, i know.  my cuticles are dry.  ;P

Hi Everyone!
Here's my first Nails of the Day [NOTD] of the year!
It uses a couple of my new polishes that I bought over the holidays as well as a foil.  I'll be posting a tutorial on how I used the foil on my You Tube channel soon.  So subscribe to be updated with my newest tutorials :)
For this manicure I used:
Sally Hansen - Thicken Up
OPI - Natural Nail Base Coat
American Apparel - Imperial Purple
Nail Foils - Imperial Iris (from www.dollarnailart.com) which I adhered with the foil glue from the same website.
OPI - Getting Miss Piggy With It
OPI - Top Coat

(Note: Normally I don't use two base coats, but because my nails are in such horrific shape from some nail stickers that I tested, I decided to use one base coat to help thicken up my nail base and the second one to attempt to smooth out the surface of my nail.)

I'm loving this foil technique.  I think it may be a big thing with me in 2012.

Holiday Haul

Hope everyone had a great holiday!

I spent my Christmas in Vancouver visiting friends.  We had lots of great food (thank YOU, Christine!) and lots of great time with friends who I don't get to see nearly often enough.  --and that means you: Christine, Aveline, Andrew, Rachel, Eddie, Erin. Jeremy, Robb.
Also, while I was in Vancouver I told a few of the aforementioned kids about my blog and youtube channel.  It was pretty interesting seeing their reactions.  My blog and youtube channel aren't really something I advertise to my friends.  I think I don't tell a lot of people about it because I already feel so obsessed with nail polish.  And telling people that I have a blog and youtube channel that both focus on this obsession makes me feel even more obsessed.  :S  lol.  oh well.  Now they know.

also, Aveline.  If you're reading this by any chance, email me your blog and etsy info!

Okay, so now on to the meat of this blog post.
Yes, I did some boxing day shopping (or for those of you not in Canada, I did some after Christmas shopping.   Don't ask me where the term "boxing day" came from.  I don't know and am definitely too lazy to google it right now.  If you know, let me know in a comment.  ;)

I picked up a few OPI polishes and some American Apparel polishes.  Some dark colours, some bright colours, all great deals.  :D

Video to follow.  Full list of purchases below that.

I know I'm eager to start 2012 with some great new Nails of the Day (NOTD) and some sweet nail art tutorials. :D
So stay tuned, and Happy New Year!


HAUL:

OPI Polishes:
Houston We Have A Purple
Getting Miss Piggy With It
Natural Nail Base Coat
Top Coat

American Apparel Polishes:
Hassid
Imperial Purple
Angeline
Office
Crescent Heights
Sunset Boulevard
The Valley
Available in stores and online at http://americanapparel.net/